Comments on: When Is Manure Ready For Vermicomposting?https://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/
Red Wiggler Worms, European Nightcrawlers and loads of helpful Worm Composting InformationTue, 13 Mar 2018 12:24:04 +0000hourly1By: RandyLandhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-46173
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:21:27 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-46173G’day, I have a heap of cow and goat manure and straw that’s been cooking up all summer. It’s cooled down significantly but there’s still a very tiny bit of steam coming out of the core if I stir it up. My plan is to load up a few 35 gallon smart pots as worm bins in my basement over the winter. If i take the cool composted manure from the outside of the heap, will this be sufficient food for the worms? I have about a cu yd of this stuff.
]]>By: Bentleyhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-45743
Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:45:27 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-45743I would used manure that has been mixed with carbon-rich material (like straw for example) and then allowed to hot compost for a bit (maybe a couple of weeks if well-controlled, longer if just sitting in big outdoor heap). Cow manure likely has all the nutrients the worms need, but on its own (especially fresh) it can cause harm (ammonia release, salts etc).
]]>By: Jatinhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-45739
Sat, 07 Jan 2017 06:35:57 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-45739Is there any other source required with cow dung as nutrient source? I have given only cow dung as food source for worms. It will work or not?
]]>By: Bentleyhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-44981
Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:42:02 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-44981Hi Heather,
I am not familiar with that one but it seems to be an antibiotic, so you definitely wouldn’t want too much of it in a worm composting system since it will have a very negative impact on the (important) microbes. I don’t think it would harm the worms directly, but they have an important microbe ecosystem in their guts so it may cause harm indirectly.
]]>By: Heatherhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-44971
Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:55:13 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-44971I have someone wanting to pickup some rabbit manure to use for worm food. He asked about any medications, which wasn’t a problem. Do you know if neomycin sulfate is toxic to worms? I don’t want send any that might cause him any problems.
Thanks!
]]>By: Bentleyhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-44829
Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:24:12 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-44829Sorry for the delay responding!

Sarah – unfortunately my goto response of “it depends” definitely applies here. My preference is to let worms grow into a particular system rather than trying to maximize things right out of the gates. You’ll have a far greater chance of success. In other words, I’d suggest starting with FAR more material than worms – and make sure the initially habitat material is very well aged (I’d even test a small amount in a separate system to be safe).
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Barbara – I’m guessing you mean “maggots”. If your system is outside – especially if you happen to live in a warmer region – these are likely Black Soldier Fly larvae. They thrive in composting systems. My recommendation would be to add less food and more bedding to help out the worms. But in these outdoor systems it can be pretty tough to avoid some of these other larvae altogether. The good news is that as long as you are meeting the requirements of the worms (in terms of temperatures, moisture etc) these other critters shouldn’t cause any problems.

]]>By: barbara ingramhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-44689
Sun, 05 Jul 2015 19:06:07 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-44689i keep getting magnets in my worn container,how can i prevent this.
]]>By: Sarahhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-44075
Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:22:43 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-44075Hi,
I would just like to know the ratio of worms to compost material, meaning how many worms should we have per pound of compostable material. Also, how long will it take the worms to break down the material into usable soil?
Thanks!
]]>By: Katheemhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-43104
Wed, 16 Jul 2014 05:00:03 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-43104Thank you
]]>By: Bentleyhttps://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/when-is-manure-ready-for-vermicomposting/comment-page-1/#comment-43098
Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:37:55 +0000https://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=9259#comment-43098Hi Katheem,
I’m sure there must be a range of scientifically testable parameters for determining the stage of decomposition a given manure is at. But for most people this really isn’t going to be helpful or remotely practical. This is why I offer very simple guidelines.
Your best bet for getting maximum benefit from cow manure would be to set up a system where you can add the manure fresh – the “walking windrow” method described above being a prime example. This way the worms will start feeding on it as quickly as it becomes “worm-friendly” and you won’t be left guessing if your manure is “ready”. As for food source, that can certainly have an impact on the quality of the manure – but I don’t know of any scientific studies that have tested this.
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